Portrait of Johann Bauernfeind-Baumgartner

Baumgartner Friedhof

Baumgartner Friedhof: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide to Vienna’s Historic Cemetery

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Baumgartner Friedhof, located in Vienna’s 14th district (Penzing), stands as one of the city’s largest and most historically significant cemeteries. Established during a period of rapid urban expansion in the late 19th century, it reflects evolving burial practices, artistic trends, and the rich tapestry of Vienna’s social history. Today, Baumgartner Friedhof is not only a resting place for over 33,000 individuals but also a destination for those seeking to understand Vienna’s layered cultural heritage, architectural diversity, and traditions of remembrance.

This guide provides detailed information on the cemetery’s history, notable monuments and burials, visitor facilities, accessibility, and nearby attractions. Whether you are interested in the artistic legacy of Viennese funerary art, military history, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Baumgartner Friedhof is an essential stop for anyone exploring Vienna’s historical sites (Austria-Forum, Austriasites, Friedhöfe Wien).

Baumgartner Friedhof cemetery with tombstones and pathways

Grave of Leopold Deutsch at Baumgartner Cemetery in Vienna

Grave of Franz Grasberger-Baumgartner at Friedhof

Grave lantern in Baumgartner Friedhof cemetery

Historical Overview

Founding and Early Years

Baumgartner Friedhof was established in 1894 after the closure of older cemeteries serving the Fünfhaus, Sechshaus, and Rudolfsheim communities. The chosen site in the Baumgarten area, near present-day Waidhausenstraße, offered a tranquil environment in line with Josephinian reforms that relocated burial grounds outside Vienna’s city center for public health reasons (Austria-Forum). The cemetery’s foundation marked a period of significant urban and demographic growth, as Vienna expanded into its surrounding districts.

Expansion and Development

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the cemetery expanded several times, absorbing additional land and incorporating graves relocated from the closed Schmelzer Friedhof. Architectural additions included a gravedigger’s house, mortuary chapel, and, in 1903, a monumental statue of Christ by Andreas Halbig—transferred from Esztergom Cathedral in Hungary. The site’s evolving layout and structures mirrored Vienna’s changing urban landscape.

Modernization and Memorials

Mid-20th-century updates brought a modern mortuary building designed by Josef Strelec, adorned with art by Hermann Bauch. In 1995, a significant memorial by Leopold Grausam was unveiled to honor victims of fascism, cementing the cemetery’s role in Vienna’s collective memory.

Vienna’s Relationship with Death

Baumgartner Friedhof exemplifies Vienna’s unique cultural approach to death, characterized by elaborate funerary traditions and a deep-seated respect for remembrance. The cemetery, while less famous than Zentralfriedhof, is an important setting for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, when families gather to honor ancestors and maintain graves (Austriasites).

War Graves and Collective Memory

A dedicated section for Soviet war graves, containing 40 soldiers from World War II, stands as a poignant reminder of Vienna’s turbulent 20th-century history (Traces of War). The cemetery also features military graves and memorials commemorating resistance fighters and victims of fascism, underscoring its importance as a site of remembrance and education.

Artistic and Architectural Highlights

Baumgartner Friedhof is notable for its range of architectural styles, from Neo-Gothic chapels to Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) family mausoleums. The cemetery grounds feature traditional Viennese grave markers—wrought-iron crosses, stone angels, floral reliefs—and mature landscaping that creates a serene atmosphere. Notable artistic elements include the 1903 Christ statue and intricately designed monuments reflecting the city’s artistic heritage.

Notable Burials and Monuments

The cemetery contains 26 honorary graves for individuals who made significant contributions to Vienna’s cultural and public life. Among the most visited is the grave of Josef Gangl, a German Wehrmacht officer recognized for his role in the Battle for Castle Itter during World War II—a symbol of courage and reconciliation.

Additionally, the cemetery is the final resting place for artists, writers, musicians, and academics whose lives shaped Vienna’s intellectual landscape. Visitors can explore family vaults, artistic memorial sculptures, and poetic epitaphs that reveal the personal stories of generations.

Visitor Information

Location and Contact

Address: Waidhausenstraße 52, 1140 Wien, Vienna, Austria
Contact: +43 (0)1 534 69 - 28200 | [email protected]
Official Website: Friedhöfe Wien

Visiting Hours

3 November – End of February: 08:00 – 17:00
March and 1 October – 2 November: 07:00 – 18:00
April – September: 07:00 – 19:00
Thursdays (May–August): 07:00 – 20:00

Main gates adhere strictly to these times. In rare cases of being locked inside, contact emergency services at 133 or 112.

Entry and Tickets

Admission: Free for all visitors. No tickets required.

Accessibility

Public Transport:
- Tram: Line 49
- Bus: Lines 47A, 48A, N46, N49
- S-Bahn: S45 and S80
- Subway: U4 (Hütteldorf station, approx. 10-minute walk)
- Real-time route planning: Moovit app
Facilities:
- Paved, wide main paths
- Step-free main entrance
- Some historic areas may have gravel or uneven surfaces
- Restrooms and benches near the main entrance
- Limited parking (public transport is recommended)

Guided Tours and Events

Guided tours focusing on architecture, history, and notable burials are occasionally offered, especially around All Saints’ Day. Check with the cemetery office or Vienna tourism websites for current schedules.

On-Site Services

Cemetery maps available at the entrance and online
Restrooms and water fountains near main buildings
Security patrols for visitor safety

Nearby Attractions

Schönbrunn Palace: Vienna’s former imperial residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Waidhausenpark: A nearby green space ideal for relaxation
Penzing District: Features charming neighborhoods and additional historical sites
Zentralfriedhof: Vienna’s largest cemetery with notable graves and monuments

Visitor Etiquette and Tips

Maintain respectful silence and decorum
Modest attire is encouraged
Pets are not permitted (except service animals)
Smoking and eating are restricted
Photography is allowed for personal use—avoid funerals and mourners
Keep the grounds litter-free

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the opening hours of Baumgartner Friedhof?
A: Hours vary seasonally. See “Visiting Hours” above for details.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, entry is free.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: Tram 49, buses 47A/48A/N46/N49, S-Bahn S45/S80, and U4 (Hütteldorf).

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally. Contact the cemetery office or check local tourism websites.

Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Main paths are paved and step-free, but some older sections may be uneven.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but please be discreet and respectful.

Q: Where can I find more information?
A: Visit the official cemetery website or Vienna Tourist Information.

Best Times to Visit

Weekday mornings or early afternoons for tranquility
Thursdays in summer for extended evening hours
Avoid peak crowds during All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days (1–2 November)

Summary Table: Key Visitor Information

Feature	Details
Address	Waidhausenstraße 52, 1140 Wien
Contact	+43 (0)1 534 69 - 28200 / [email protected]
Visiting Hours	See above for seasonal times
Entrance Fee	Free
Public Transport	Tram 49, Bus 47A/48A/N46/N49, S-Bahn S45/S80, U4 (Hütteldorf)
Accessibility	Step-free entrance, paved main paths, some uneven areas
Parking	Limited; public transport recommended
Facilities	Restrooms, benches, water fountains, maps
Languages	German (primary), limited English at office
Emergencies	Police: 133 or 112

Conclusion

Baumgartner Friedhof is a unique and accessible destination for those seeking to experience Vienna’s history, art, and traditions of remembrance. With its blend of architectural styles, notable burials, and tranquil grounds, the cemetery offers a contemplative journey through Vienna’s evolving cultural landscape. Its free entry, excellent public transport links, and well-maintained facilities make it suitable for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors. For up-to-date information, guided tours, and events, consult the official Friedhöfe Wien page.

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